Anthrenus verbasci (video added)

canonian · Post by **canonian** » Sun Dec 02, 2012 4:16 pm

Larval form of Anthrenus verbasci, the dreaded varied carpet beetle.
This 'wooly bear' can be a serious pest in both household and in natural history museums, where it can damage many biological specimens.
The larvae feed on natural fibers like keratin and chitin of natural fibers (dead insects, animal hair and feathers) and can damage carpets, furniture, clothing and insects collections.

Specimen size is 3mm, stack of 128 shots@10 µm increments, Canon 5DMkII and JML 21mm F/3.5@approx 6:1, LED Ring light

Edit: changed the title

Wim van Egmond · Post by **Wim van Egmond** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 3:32 am

Very nice result Fred, But can you please make a version on a carpet?

Wim

canonian · Post by **canonian** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 7:34 am

Wim van Egmond wrote:Very nice result Fred, But can you please make a version on a carpet?

Wim

For you my friend, I can do even better.
With great pride I introduce to you : "The Beetlecarpet"
(can't think of a latin name for Persisch kleedje/Persian rug)

In addition to your lousy wallpaper it would fit nicely as a rug under the coffeetable, or -in tradition of our dutch grandparents- on the diningtable.

Cheers Wim,

Wim van Egmond · Post by **Wim van Egmond** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 12:05 pm

I want one! Can I order a version with 'welcome' ?

Wim

canonian · Post by **canonian** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 2:50 pm

That can be arranged. Just click the button.

canonian · Post by **canonian** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 3:09 pm

No more fooling around now Wim. This was a perfect good shot and you mocked it....

Back to topic: I was a bit amazed by the oddly shaped bristles at the tail, and wonder what its functions are, why the're shaped like little arrows.

JML 21mm pushed to the limits

JML20X

Planapo · Post by **Planapo** » Tue Dec 04, 2012 1:14 am

I was a bit amazed by the oddly shaped bristles at the tail, and wonder what its functions are, why the're shaped like little arrows.

Defensive hairs, you should't get them on your skin or inhale them as the can cause irritation/inflamation.
Similar to those of some caterpillars.

So better not step on your Beetlecarpet with naked feet!

--Betty

canonian · Post by **canonian** » Tue Dec 04, 2012 2:07 am

Thanks you Betty for this info and the quick reply. Are they dipped in curare?

I always thought that these wooly bears were quite harmless (besides ruining clothes and insect collections)
Searching along with the info you gave I stumbled on this, by Stuart M. Bennett:

"If it is suddenly alarmed, the larva erects the 3 dense tufts of bristles or urticating hairs located on each side of the rear end of the body, spreading them out to form beautiful, round plumes".

The wonders of nature, learning everyday. I like all the little trivia on the bugs that I photograph.

canonian · Post by **canonian** » Wed Jan 09, 2013 4:01 am

A small 360 degrees video of the larvae has been posted here or can be seen here : http://youtu.be/8u1CZWzRmqY